The Chicago Cubs’ home opener is always a special occasion on the North Side, but this year's event might have even more buzz. The Cubs make their debut at Wrigley Field on Monday afternoon, when they open a three-game series against the red-hot Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Pirates are the early front-runners in the National League Central, having won seven of their first nine contests. Pittsburgh is benefiting from a balanced lineup – six everyday starters are batting over .300, and its bullpen is well-rested entering the series after James Taillon tossed a one-hit shutout against Cincinnati on Sunday. The Cubs also are coming off a shutout, having blanked Milwaukee 3-0 on Sunday to take three of four in the series. Chicago’s offense has been spotty in the early going, but the team managed to get through a nine-game road trip to start the season with a winning record and its pitching has been excellent of late, allowing two or fewer runs in four of the last five games.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, ABC 7 (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (0-1, 6.10 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (0-1, 1.50)
After a decent showing on Opening Day at Detroit, Nova had a tough second outing Wednesday against Minnesota. He allowed five runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings, as things fell apart during a snowy sixth inning. The 31-year-old Dominican is 2-1 with a 4.09 ERA in four career starts against the Cubs.
Chatwood was excellent in his Cubs debut, holding Cincinnati to one run and four hits with six strikeouts over six innings. The only thing missing was run support, as the 28-year-old suffered a tough-luck loss in a 1-0 defeat. Chatwood has posted a 1.50 ERA without recording a decision in two career starts against the Pirates.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cubs are the only team in the majors that has yet to play a home game.
2. The Pirates have scored 58 runs in nine contests – a total they didn’t reach last season until their 17th game.
3. Chicago 1B Anthony Rizzo has missed three straight games with tightness in his lower back and is considered questionable for Monday.